The Anakwas said Jamaican jerk sauce, used by many to season chicken and other meats, is thus far the shop's hottest seller. Henry Anakwa pointed out the cross-over in popularity of several foods among cultures -- from the Caribbean islands and Mexico, to Africa, Asia and the United States.

"This is the soda that is popular in my homeland," he said, pointing Tuesday to a cooler stocked with Fanta soda, which is a Coca-Cola product that originated in Germany. The cooler also contained coconut juice, Monster energy drink, Coca-Cola Zero and Malta Goya (a non-alcoholic brew made with barley and hops).

Henry and Cheryl Anakwa are the owners and operators of Africana at 2307 Gull Road on Kalamazoo's northeast side.Al Jones | MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette

The business also sells canned foods, such as meats and fish, as well as fresh yams. Other popular items include Fufu flour mix and Banku, a corn-based product used to make dumpling-like foods that complement fried foods.

Henry Anakwa plans to travel to his homeland on occasion to find and buy products.

In the near future, the business also intends to offer custom tailoring for the African clothing it sells.

The business utilizes about 2,000 square feet of a space in a location
that has solely housed ComputekForce, a computer repair and service
business. ComputekForce continues in a portion of the space at the site,
but operates separately.

Store hours from Africana are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.